Soup bowl attraction

ABSTRACT

A simulated soup bowl entertainment attraction, comprising: a bowl-shaped member having a top bounded by a top rim, a bottom permitting light transmission therethrough, and sidewalls connecting the top rim with the bottom; a fog generator producing a fog layer at the top of the bowl-shaped member; and an imaging device producing an image within the bowl-shaped member, the image viewable from a viewing position looking down into the top of the bowl-shaped member. Preferably, the bowl shaped entertainment attraction includes an image controlling apparatus coupled to the imaging device for changing the image viewable from the viewing position. Optionally, apparatus producing sound within the bowl-shaped member may be provided. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction may include a sound controlling apparatus coupled to a sound system for selectively changing the sound heard from within the bowl-shaped member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to the field of entertainment, and moreparticularly to an interactive attraction providing entertainingactivities for a participant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Interactive entertainment attractions are generally in the nature of avideo game apparatus in which a participant manipulates buttons andlevers, or otherwise imparts physical movement of a device, to causechanging visual and audible effects.

Although video games differ in the visual and audible presentations, themethodology, i.e. activities of the participants, are predictable andremain basically the same, leading to familiarity, boredom anddisinterest. Moreover, such entertainment attractions typically limitusage at any point in time to one or two participants.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an entertainment attractionalternative which departs from the usual button pushing, lever bendingvideo game type of activity, and which permits several participants totake part in the attraction activity within a relatively short period oftime.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bowl shaped entertainment attraction is disclosed which includes abowl shaped member having a top and a bottom. In addition, theattraction includes a fog generator which produces a fog layer in thebowl shaped member. Further, the attraction includes an image producerwhich produces an image within the bowl shaped member that is viewablethrough the fog layer.

More specifically, the present invention provides a bowl shapedentertainment attraction, comprising: a bowl shaped member having a top,a bottom, and an interior; a fog generator producing a fog layer withinand/or at the top of the bowl shaped member; and an imaging deviceproducing an image within the bowl shaped member.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a simulated soupbowl entertainment attraction, comprising: a bowl-shaped member having atop bounded by a top rim, a bottom permitting light transmissiontherethrough, and sidewalls connecting the top rim with the bottom; afog generator producing a fog layer at the top of the bowl-shapedmember; and an imaging device producing an image within the bowl-shapedmember, the image viewable from a viewing position looking down into thetop of the bowl-shaped member.

Preferably, the simulated soup bowl entertainment attraction includes animage controlling apparatus coupled to the imaging device for changingthe image viewable from the viewing position.

For example, the imaging device may comprise a projector projecting animage onto a rear projection screen displaying the projected image, thescreen being disposed within the soup bowl-shaped member beneath the foglayer. A sensor apparatus is provided to sense the presence of an objectpositioned over the top of the bowl-shaped member, and in particular thesensor apparatus will sense the presence of a participant's hand beingheld over the top rim of the soup bowl member. Upon sensing the presenceof a participant's hand above the top rim, the image controllingapparatus changes the image being viewed, e.g. the projector changesslides.

When another participant places his or her hand above another segment ofthe bowl-shaped member, such action is detected by the sensingapparatus, and the image controlling apparatus causes the imaging deviceto again change images being displayed under the fog layer as viewedfrom above the bowl-shaped member.

In an embodiment of the invention, the top of the bowl-shaped member isdivided into segments, e.g. six pie-shaped segments, and a particularslide in the slide projector will be selected for each of the sixsectors on a correlated one-to-one basis.

Alternatively, the slide projector may include a carousel having manyslides available for display, and each time a participant's hand ismoved over the top rim of the bowl-shaped member into one of thesegments, the sensor apparatus senses that event, causing the imagecontrolling apparatus to change the image in the imaging device. Ifdesired, such changing of images may be random or may be presentedsequentially in any particular desired order.

Either on a time basis, or on a number of objects sensed basis, apredetermined slide will be selected for display on the screen, theimage having the shape of a large arrow pointing in the direction inwhich the participant is requested to go for exiting the entertainmentattraction and for being properly directed to another entertainmentattraction.

Although a projector and slide arrangement is an embodiment for animaging device, any visual display device can be substituted for theprojector and slide arrangement, such as a video projector (similar tothe system in a rear-projection television system), or an active displaysurface having individually eliminated pixels as controlled by a displaycontrol device (similar to the display on a laptop computer screen).

The enjoyment afforded a participant by the present invention isenhanced by optionally providing a sound system which produces a uniquesound for, and correlated with, each selectable image. A store of soundclips may take the form of tracks on a compact disk or other suitablequick indexing multiple recorded sound medium. The selection of soundsto be heard by the participant functionally parallels the selection ofimages by the aforementioned imaging device and image control apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects and advantages and a better understanding of the presentinvention may be had by reference to the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the simulated soupbowl entertainment attraction in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the soup bowl entertainment attraction shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional operation of the soup bowlentertainment attraction;

FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional view of a typical fog generator unitfor creating a fog layer;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of one of a plurality of foggenerators spaced around the interior of a simulated soup bowl member inthe soup bowl entertainment attraction; and

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of one of the fog generator unitsshowing the relative location of the water source pipeline and waterlevel controller components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the simulated soupbowl entertainment attraction 1 constructed in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

A bowl shaped member 3 is supported by an internal frame structure 4.The bowl shaped member 3 has a top 5 bounded by a peripheral top rim 6having an annular configuration. The bowl shaped member 3 furtherincludes a bottom portion 7 which is smaller in size than the top 5. Thebottom 7 includes an opening 8 to permit light transmissiontherethrough. In addition, sidewalls 9 connect the top rim 6 to thebottom 7 of the bowl shaped member 3.

In an embodiment of the invention, the top rim 6 has a relatively wideannular radius, as compared to a typical true-life soup bowl, thusenabling placement of apparatuses below the top rim 6 which, as will bedescribed hereinafter, render the soup bowl attraction curiouslyinteresting to visitor or guest participants, especially children.

Beneath the top rim 6 is a system of fog generator units 11 whichproduce a fog layer within and/or at the top of the bowl shaped member3. A number of fog generator units 11 are spaced around the interior ofthe bowl shaped member 3 beneath the wide top rim 6. Each fog generatorunit 11 has a fog generator output nozzle 13. Referring to FIG. 1, aseries of such fog generator outputs 13 are shown distributed around theinterior of the bowl shaped member 3. A sufficient number of foggenerator units 11 are utilized so as to generate a thick fog layer 15which gives the appearance that the bowl shaped member 3 holds hot soup.

It will be understood that the present invention relates to anentertainment attraction in which a bowl shaped member appears to holdhot, perhaps boiling, liquid. However, other applications of theinvention are possible after the unique and inventive concepts aredisclosed and understood. For example, the present invention may be usedto depict a cauldron of hot soup or boiling water as part of an outdoorcamping theme or a boiling cauldron containing a witch's brew may alsobe depicted as part of a Halloween theme.

As will be described subsequently in this specification, the fog isgenerated from a water source, and FIG. 1 shows a water distributionpipeline 17 feeding each of the spaced fog generator units 11 around theinner periphery of the bowl shaped member 3. A water supply pipe or tube19 is connected to a water source (not shown), such as a common buildingwater source.

An important aspect of the invention involves the creation of an imagewithin the bowl shaped member 3 beneath the fog layer 15. In anembodiment, an imaging device, such as a projector and screenarrangement, may be provided. In FIG. 1, a slide projector 21 is shownto be controlled by a control unit 23 for selectively, and controllably,projecting an image toward convex mirror 25. The light impinging onconvex mirror 25 is then redistributed at a much wider angle, as isevident by reference to the schematically drawn light ray 27.

The position of the projector 21 and convex mirror 25 is such that animage is projected onto an imaging device screen 29, which may be aplastic sheet, constructed similar to that of a rear projectiontelevision system, located beneath the fog layer 15 and viewable from aposition above the top 5 of the bowl shaped member 3.

To make the soup bowl attraction even more interesting, a lightilluminator, for example a fiberoptic cable, 31 is arranged around theinterior of the bowl shaped member 3 against interior frame structure 4and just under the inner periphery of the top rim 6. A fiberoptic feedline 33, which may be a single optical fiber or a bundle of such opticalfibers, brings light to the fiberoptic cable 31 from a high intensitylight source 35 mounted below the bowl shaped member 3 and out of sightof any visitor or guest participant. Preferably, a color wheel 37 slowlyrotates by means of a low RPM motor and gearing reduction arrangement39, thereby producing continuously changing colored light beingtransmitted over the fiberoptic cable network 33, 31 and illuminatingthe fog layer 15 in a mysterious and mystical way.

Any of the various described apparatuses which are required to projectan image on screen 29, to provide a water source to the fog generatorunits 11, and to provide color lighting effects to the thick fog layer15 may conveniently be placed under a platform 41 provided around thebottom 7 of the bowl shaped member 3. Platform 41 serves the additionalpurpose of providing a raised flooring for a visitor or guestparticipant, especially suitable for young children, so that the fogcreation and lighting effects previously described can be readily andcomfortably seen and appreciated by a visitor or guest participant 43standing on the platform 41.

In order to provide an interactive aspect to the present invention,means may be provided to enable a visitor or guest participant 43 tocause the image projected on screen 29 to change. Toward that end, anobject sensor apparatus 45, which may be implemented by a video camera,is positioned over the top of the bowl shaped member 3 and has an angleof view to cover the entire top 5 of the bowl shaped member 3. Knowndiscrete electronic devices, or a microprocessor can be used to comparetime-space images collected by the video camera 45 and output an objectpresence signal 63 (FIG. 3) when an image change is detected due to anobject being placed over the top 5 of the bowl shaped member 3.

For example, if a visitor or guest participant 43 holds his or her handover the top of the rim or the bowl shaped member 3, this would bedetected by camera 45, and the aforementioned object presence signal 63will be generated. The object presence signal 63 will then be routed tothe image control unit 23 which will cause the slide projector 21 tochange slides and, consequently, change the image projected onto imagedevice screen 29.

Going beyond simply sensing when a person's hand is held over the top 5of the bowl shaped member 3, the bowl shaped member 3 may be dividedinto segments. Referring to FIG. 2, the bowl shaped member 3 is showndivided into six equal pie-shaped segments 47-52. As will be describedhereinafter, an object being placed over any one of the segments 47-52will cause a particular change in the image seen on the imaging devicescreen 29. In FIG. 2, a large arrow 53 is shown to be the image beingprojected on screen 29.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a general block diagram of the variousapparatuses and devices making up the operational units of the inventionare shown. The video camera 45 and associated processing electronics(not shown) in FIG. 1 are represented in FIG. 3 by the function block 61shown as an object sensor and segment detector apparatus. When a visitoror guest participant 43 holds his or her arm over any one of segments47-52 of the bowl shaped member 3, an object presence signal 63 isgenerated, the signal 63 also including information as to which segment47-52 over which an object has been detected. The object presence signal63 is then routed to control unit 23 which includes an internal timer 77and an image control apparatus 65. Image control apparatus 65 has anoutput 67 which controls the imaging device 69 so as to cause imagingdevice 69 to display a certain image or sequence of images on screen 29.For example, image control apparatus 65 may simply select a prescribedslide in the slide projector 21 (imaging device) corresponding to arespective object presence signal 63.

An image store 71 may be in the form of a carousel of different slidesto be projected on screen 29, or it may be an electronic image storagedevice, outputting digitally stored information representing differentselectable images on line 73. In this connection, it should beunderstood that imaging device 69 may be in the form of a videoprojector, an active matrix screen such as that used in the computerfield, or any other known imaging device which is capable of displayinga large image on screen 29.

If it is assumed that the visitor or guest participant 43 holds his orher hand over segment 47 in FIG. 2, object sensor and segment detectorapparatus 61 instructs image control apparatus 65 that a particularsegment, in this instance segment 47, has been “activated”. Imagecontrol apparatus 65 then signals imaging device 69 to select adifferent image from image store 71 and project that newly selectedimage onto the screen 29. When an object is placed over another segment47-52, a different, and unique, object presence signal 63 is created,and imaging device 69, under control of the image control apparatus 65selects a different image to be projected on screen 29, such imagehaving a direct relationship to the specific object presence signal online 63, i.e., to the new “active” segment. Accordingly, each time anobject is placed over a segment 47-52 different from the previous activesegment, a new predetermined image is substituted for the old one.

An internal timer 77 also controls image control apparatus 65 to causeimages to be changed by the imaging device 69. However, internal timer77 operates only under certain specific conditions. One condition isthat the object sensor and segment detector apparatus 61 fails to detectany objects being held over the top 5 of the bowl shaped member 3 for aprescribed period of time. When internal timer 77 detects that there hasbeen no object presence signal generated on line 63 for a prescribedperiod of time, this would indicate that there is no active visitor orguest participation happening. However, there still may be observerswatching the screen 29 and yet not actively participating in theinteractive game. In any event, the internal timer 77 will automaticallyinstruct the image control apparatus to change the image being displayedon screen 29, and imaging device 69 is responsive to such instruction tocarry out that function. If then an object is detected over any ofsegments 47-52, an object presence signal 63 is again generated whichhas precedence over control by internal timer 77.

Internal timer 77 has an additional function of encouraging visitor orguest participants to not linger too long at this entertainmentattraction so as to permit other visitors and guests to take part in theinteractive game. In this regard, after a prescribed period of timewithout changing images as a result of detecting objects over the top ofthe bowl shaped member 3 or as a result of automatic image changes undercontrol of internal timer 77, internal timer 77 instructs image controlapparatus 65 to cause imaging device 69 to display a default image, thatbeing the arrow 53 shown in FIG. 2. This image may also include textwhich instructs the participants to move on to the next attraction atthe facility by exiting in the direction of the arrow.

As indicated supra, there is optionally a sound system associated withthe imaging system described above. When a visitor or guest participant43 holds his or her arm over any one of segments 47-52 of the bowlshaped member 3, the object presence signal 63 generated, includinginformation as to which segment 47-52 over which an object has beendetected, is also routed to sound control apparatus 121. Sound controlapparatus 121 has an output 123 which controls the sound system 125 soas to cause a certain sound clip or sequence of sound clips to be heardfrom speaker 129. For example, sound control apparatus 121 may simplyselect a prescribed sound track of a CD corresponding to a respectiveobject presence signal 63.

A sound clip store 133 may, alternatively, be in the form of anintegrated circuit, e.g., a ROM, containing selectable unique digitallystored sound clips outputted over line 131 and heard from speaker 129.

If it is assumed that the visitor or guest participant 43 holds his orher hand over segment 47 in FIG. 2, object sensor and segment detectorapparatus 61 instructs sound control apparatus 121 that a particularsegment, in this instance segment 47, has been “activated”. Soundcontrol apparatus 121 then signals sound system 125 to select adifferent sound clip from store 133 and reproduce that newly selectedsound clip through speaker 129. When an object is placed over anothersegment 47-52, a different, and unique, object presence signal 63 iscreated, and sound system 125, under control of the sound controlapparatus 121 selects a different sound clip to be played, such soundclip having a direct relationship to the specific object presence signalon line 63, i.e., to the new “active” segment.

Accordingly, each time an object is placed over a segment 47-52different from the previous active segment, a new predetermined soundclip is substituted for the old one.

It will be understood that each sound clip stored in store 133 has adirect correspondence to a stored image in image store 71. Thus, when animage is selected for display, the corresponding sound clip is audiblypresented.

Internal timer 77 also controls sound control apparatus 121 to causesound clips to be changed by the sound system 125. Internal timer 77operates only under certain specific conditions, as has already beendescribed above. Thus, when internal timer 77 detects that there hasbeen no object presence signal generated on line 63 for a prescribedperiod of time, this would indicate that there is no active visitor orguest participation happening. Since there still may be observerswatching the screen 29 and yet not actively participating in theinteractive game, the internal timer 77 will automatically instruct thesound control apparatus to change the sound clip being reproduced, andsound system 125 is responsive to such instruction to carry out thatfunction. If then an object is detected over any of segments 47-52, anobject presence signal 63 is again generated which has precedence overcontrol by internal timer 77.

As also indicated above, internal timer 77 has the additional functionof encouraging visitor or guest participants to not linger too long atthis entertainment attraction so as to permit other visitors and gueststo take part in the interactive game. In this regard, after a prescribedperiod of time without changing sound clips as a result of detectingobjects over the top of the bowl shaped member 3 or as a result ofautomatic sound clip changes under control of internal timer 77,internal timer 77 instructs sound control apparatus 121 to cause soundsystem 125 to display a default sound clip, that being audibleinstructions verbally advising the participants to move on to the nextattraction at the facility by exiting in the direction of the arrowimaged on the screen 29.

FIG. 4 is a side cross sectional view of a typical fog generator unit 11for creating a fog layer 15. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a numberof segments of PVC water pipe is used. The basic structure of the foggenerator unit 11 includes a 4-way coupler 53 (as best seen in FIG. 5)sealed by a bottom cap 55 coupled to the 4-way coupler 53 by a shortbottom nipple 57.

The left and right arms of the 4-way coupler 53 are coupled to waterdistribution pipeline 17 leading to adjacent fog generator units 11. Atthe top arm of coupler 53, an upper nipple 101 is fixed in place, andthe top of upper nipple 101 coupled to an elbow 115 the free end ofwhich butts against the outer wall of interior frame structure 4. A wallcoupler nipple 119 permits a tight fit of elbow 115 against interiorframe structure 4 by the provision of an end cap 117 having an openingat its distal end and defining the fog generator output 13.

Within the upper nipple 101, a bracket 103 is fixed to the inside wallof nipple 101, bracket 103 having a platform portion 107 extending intothe center of the nipple 101 for supporting a piezoelectric element 105just below the surface of a level of water 59 contained within the foggenerator unit 11.

In the event of excessive water 59 being provided into the fog generatorsystem, an overflow drainpipe 111 will syphon off the excess water to adrain (not shown). Overflow drainpipe 111 passes through an opening 113in upper nipple 101 and is sealed securely to it.

Another opening 114 is also provided in nipple 101 to permit theelectrical connection to piezoelectric element 105 to pass therethroughand electrically connect to the output of an ultrasonic oscillator (notshown). The piezoelectric element 105 and ultrasonic oscillator (notshown) function similar to those commonly found in cold-steamvaporizers, and thus need not be described in detail herein. The highfrequency signal from the ultrasonic oscillator (not shown) causes thepiezoelectric element 105 to vibrate at a high frequency and at a largeenergy level so as to vibrate the water above the piezoelectric element105 vigorously and breaking it down into small water droplets, therebygenerating the simulated hot steam at the top of the bowl shaped member3.

In one embodiment of the invention, a water source (not shown) fills thewater distribution pipeline 17 and fog generator units 11 to anappropriate level, and a continuous fresh water supply is provided at arate sufficient to replace whatever water is evaporated into theatmosphere from the generated fog layer. As indicated, any excess waterthat accumulates in the system will drain off through overflow drainpipe111, and if the system is adjusted properly, very little water waste, ifany, will be realized.

To improve upon the water source/level arrangement previously described,an arrangement as shown in FIG. 6 may be employed. In FIG. 6, within thesame upper nipple 101, but spaced from the piezoelectric element 105,there may be provided a water inlet 79 connected to a water source androuted to a controllable water valve 81. A water nozzle 83 is connectedto the output side of the controllable water valve 81 and passes throughthe upper nipple 101 so as to deposit the water passing through valve 81into the water distribution pipeline 17 for distribution to foggenerator units 11.

The level of the water 59 within the system is regulated by the openingand closing of valve 81. Control of valve 81 will now be described.

Withing the interior of upper nipple 101, there is fixed in place abracket 84 which supports a water level sensing arrangement to bedescribed. A float 85 has a central opening at its bottom looselyfitting over an upwardly directed vertical float support 87. Floatsupport 87 will keep float 85 in a fixed position laterally of the axisof the upper nipple 101 but permit movement of the float 85 along a lineparallel to the axis of upper nipple 101.

Attached to the top of float 85 is a vertically extending vaneprojecting through an opening 90 in the upper portion of bracket 84defining a platform 91 for a water level sensor arrangement. The waterlevel sensor arrangement is comprised of a light transmitter 93 andlight receiver 95. Such transmit/receive devices are commonly used inall kinds of apparatuses and thus need not be explained in operation inthis specification.

An electrical cabling 97 provides power to the light transmitter 93 andprovides a signal transmission line from the receiver 95, cable 97 beingcoupled to a water level detector 99 which responds to the reception byreceiver 95 of light emanating from light transmitter 93, and in turndevelops a control voltage applied to controllable water valve 81 toopen it and allow water from the water source to enter the waterdistribution pipeline 17 and fog generator units 11. This opening ofvalve 81 occurs only when float 85 drops to such a level that light fromtransmitter 93 is received by receiver 95 and causes water leveldetector 99 to energize valve 81. As the water level within nipple 101then rises, float 85 rises higher until vane 89 blocks the light pathbetween the light transmitter 93 and light receiver 95. In thiscondition, water level detector 99 responds by removing power to thecontrollable water valve 81, thereby shutting it off, thereby keepingthe water level relatively constant within the system.

While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternativeembodiments and various modifications will be apparent from the abovedescription to those skilled in the art. These and other alternativesare considered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A simulated soup bowl entertainment attraction,comprising: a bowl shaped member having a top bounded by a top rim, abottom permitting light transmission therethrough, and sidewallsconnecting said top rim with said bottom; a fog generator producing afog layer at said top of said bowl shaped member; and an imaging deviceproducing an image within said bowl shaped member, the image viewablefrom a viewing position looking down into said top of said bowl shapedmember.
 2. The simulated soup bowl attraction as claimed in claim 1,comprising: an image controlling apparatus coupled to said imagingdevice, said image controlling apparatus adapted to change the imageviewable from said viewing position.
 3. The simulated soup bowlattraction as claimed in claim 2, wherein said imaging device comprises:a projector projecting said image; and a screen displaying saidprojected image, said screen disposed within said bowl shaped memberbeneath said fog layer.
 4. The simulated soup bowl attraction as claimedin claim 2, comprising: object sensor apparatus sensing the presence ofan object positioned over said top of said bowl shaped member andgenerating an object presence signal routed to said image controllingapparatus; and wherein said image controlling apparatus is operative tochange said image presented to said imaging device responsive toreceiving said object presence signal.
 5. The simulated soup bowlattraction as claimed in claim 4, wherein: upon receiving said objectpresence signal, said image controlling apparatus exchanges a currentimage with a replacement image.
 6. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 4, comprising an image store, andwherein: said bowl shaped member top is divided into a plurality of bowlsegments; said image store comprises a plurality of different storedimages, each said stored image being associated with one of said bowlsegments; said object sensor apparatus comprises a bowl segment detectoroperative to identify the bowl segment over which an object is present,thereby defining an active bowl segment; said object presence signalincludes identification information representing an active bowl segment;and said image controlling apparatus, responsive to said presencesignal, is operative to instruct said imaging device to select from saidimage store a stored image associated with the segment represented insaid object presence signal.
 7. The simulated soup bowl attraction asclaimed in claim 6, comprising: a timer connected to said object sensorapparatus and to said image controlling apparatus for measuring the timeinterval between the detection of the presence of objects positionedover said bowl shaped member top, said timer generating a default objectpresence signal routed to said image controlling apparatus for effectingperiodic image changes in the absence of object presence signalsgenerated by actual objects being present over said bowl shaped membertop.
 8. The simulated soup bowl attraction as claimed in claim 4,wherein: said sensor apparatus comprises a camera disposed above saidbowl shaped member, said camera outputting object presence informationand active bowl segment information to said image controlling apparatus.9. The simulated soup bowl attraction as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid fog generator comprises: a fog source; and a fog distributionsystem for distributing fog uniformly over said bowl shaped member top.10. The simulated soup bowl attraction as claimed in claim 9, wherein:said fog source comprises an ultrasonic unit having a vibrating surfacein contact with a water supply; and said fog distributing systemcomprises a multi-outlet pipeline within said bowl shaped member andextending along and under said top rim, said pipeline having a fog inletcoupled to said fog source to collect fog generated by said ultrasonicunit, and having multiple outlets distributed around said bowl shapedmember top rim.
 11. The simulated soup bowl attraction as claimed inclaim 10, wherein: said fog source comprises a plurality of said fogsources; and said pipeline comprises a like plurality of fog inletscoupled to respective ones of said fog sources.
 12. The simulated soupbowl attraction as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a light source withinsaid bowl shaped member producing light that is distributed around saidtop rim to illuminate said fog layer.
 13. The simulated soup bowlattraction as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said light source produceslight of different colors.
 14. The simulated soup bowl attraction asclaimed in claim 12, wherein: said light source comprises a lightingeffects generator for altering the visual characteristics of saiddistributed light.
 15. A bowl shaped entertainment attraction,comprising: a bowl shaped member having a top, a bottom, and aninterior; a fog generator producing a fog layer within said bowl shapedmember interior; and an imaging device producing an image within saidbowl shaped member.
 16. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction asclaimed in claim 15, comprising: an image controlling apparatus coupledto said imaging device, said image controlling apparatus adapted tochange the image within said bowl shaped member.
 17. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 16, wherein said imagingdevice comprises: a projector projecting said image; and a screendisplaying said projected image, said screen disposed within said bowlshaped member beneath said fog layer.
 18. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 16, comprising: object sensor apparatussensing the presence of an object positioned over said top of said bowlshaped member and generating an object presence signal routed to saidimage controlling apparatus; and wherein said image controllingapparatus is operative to change said image presented to said imagingdevice responsive to receiving said object presence signal.
 19. The bowlshaped entertainment attraction as claimed in claim 18, wherein: uponreceiving said object presence signal, said image controlling apparatusexchanges a current image with a replacement image.
 20. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 18, comprising an imagestore, and wherein: said bowl shaped member top is divided into aplurality of bowl segments; said image store comprises a plurality ofdifferent stored images, each said stored image being associated withone of said bowl segments; said object sensor apparatus comprises a bowlsegment detector operative to identify the bowl segment over which anobject is present, thereby defining an active bowl segment; said objectpresence signal includes identification information representing anactive bowl segment; and said image controlling apparatus, responsive tosaid presence signal, is operative to instruct said imaging device toselect from said image store a stored image associated with the segmentrepresented in said object presence signal.
 21. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 20, comprising: a timerconnected to said object sensor apparatus and to said image controllingapparatus for measuring the time interval between the detection of thepresence of objects positioned over said bowl shaped member top, saidtimer generating a default object presence signal routed to said imagecontrolling apparatus for effecting periodic image changes in theabsence of object presence signals generated by actual objects beingpresent over said bowl shaped member top.
 22. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 18, wherein: said sensorapparatus comprises a camera disposed above said bowl shaped member,said camera outputting object presence information and active bowlsegment information to said image controlling apparatus.
 23. The bowlshaped entertainment attraction as claimed in claim 15, wherein said foggenerator comprises: a fog source; and a fog distribution system fordistributing fog uniformly over said bowl shaped member top.
 24. Thebowl shaped entertainment attraction as claimed in claim 23, wherein:said bowl shaped member top comprises a peripheral top rim; said fogsource comprises an ultrasonic unit having a vibrating surface incontact with a water supply; and said fog distributing system comprisesa multi-outlet pipeline within said bowl shaped member and extendingalong and under said top rim, said pipeline having a fog inlet coupledto said fog source to collect fog generated by said ultrasonic unit, andhaving multiple outlets distributed around said bowl shaped member toprim.
 25. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction as claimed in claim24, wherein: said fog source comprises a plurality of said fog sources;and said pipeline comprises a like plurality of fog inlets coupled torespective ones of said fog sources.
 26. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 15, comprising: a peripheral rimsurrounding said bowl shaped member top; and a light source within saidbowl shaped member producing light that is distributed around said toprim to illuminate said fog layer.
 27. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 26, wherein: said light source produceslight of different colors.
 28. The bowl shaped entertainment attractionas claimed in claim 26, wherein: said light source comprises a lightingeffects generator for altering the visual characteristics of saiddistributed light.
 29. A bowl shaped entertainment attraction,comprising: a bowl shaped member having a top and a bottom; fogproducing means for producing a fog layer in said bowl shaped member;and image producing means for producing an image within said bowl shapedmember viewable through said fog layer.
 30. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 29, comprising: a controlmeans coupled to said image producing means, said control means adaptedto change the image produced by said image producing means and viewablein said bowl shaped member.
 31. The bowl shaped entertainment attractionas claimed in claim 30, wherein said image producing means comprises: aprojector projecting said image; and a screen displaying said projectedimage, said screen disposed within said bowl shaped member beneath saidfog layer.
 32. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction as claimed inclaim 30, comprising: sensing means for sensing the presence of anobject positioned over said top of said bowl shaped member, andgenerating an object presence signal routed to said control means; andwherein said control means is operative to cause said image producingmeans to change said image within said bowl shaped member responsive toreceiving said object presence signal.
 33. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 32, wherein: upon receiving said objectpresence signal, said control means exchanges a current image with areplacement image.
 34. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction asclaimed in claim 32, comprising an image store, and wherein: said bowlshaped member top is divided into a plurality of bowl segments; saidimage store comprises a plurality of different stored images, each saidstored image being associated with one of said bowl segments; saidsensing means comprises a bowl segment detector operative to identifythe bowl segment over which an object is present, thereby defining anactive bowl segment; said object presence signal includes identificationinformation representing an active bowl segment; and said control means,responsive to said presence signal, is operative to instruct said imageproducing means to select from said image store a stored imageassociated with the segment represented in said object presence signal.35. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction as claimed in claim 34,comprising: a timer connected to said object sensor apparatus and tosaid control means for measuring the time interval between the detectionof the presence of objects positioned over said bowl shaped member top,said timer generating a default object presence signal routed to saidcontrol means for effecting periodic image changes in the absence ofobject presence signals generated by actual objects being present oversaid bowl shaped member top.
 36. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 32, wherein: said sensor apparatuscomprises a camera disposed above said bowl shaped member, said cameraoutputting object presence information and active bowl segmentinformation to said control means.
 37. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 29, wherein said fog producing meanscomprises: a fog source; and a fog distribution system for distributingfog uniformly over said bowl shaped member top.
 38. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 37, wherein: said bowlshaped member top comprises a peripheral top rim; said fog sourcecomprises an ultrasonic unit having a vibrating surface in contact witha water supply; and said fog distributing system comprises amulti-outlet pipeline within said bowl shaped member and extending alongand under said top rim, said pipeline having a fog inlet coupled to saidfog source to collect fog generated by said ultrasonic unit, and havingmultiple outlets distributed around said bowl shaped member top rim. 39.The bowl shaped entertainment attraction as claimed in claim 38,wherein: said fog source comprises a plurality of said fog sources; andsaid pipeline comprises a like plurality of fog inlets coupled torespective ones of said fog sources.
 40. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 29, comprising: a light source withinsaid bowl shaped member producing light that is distributed around andadjacent said top to illuminate said fog layer.
 41. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 40, wherein: said lightsource produces light of different colors.
 42. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 40, wherein: said lightsource comprises a lighting effects generator for altering the visualcharacteristics of said distributed light.
 43. The bowl shapedentertainment attraction as claimed in claim 29, comprising: soundproducing means for producing sound within said bowl shaped member. 44.The bowl shaped entertainment attraction as claimed in claim 43,comprising: a control means coupled to said sound producing means, saidcontrol means adapted to change the sound produced by said soundproducing means.
 45. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction as claimedin claim 44, comprising: sensing means for sensing the presence of anobject positioned over said top of said bowl shaped member, andgenerating an object presence signal routed to said control means; andwherein said control means is operative to cause said sound producingmeans to change said sound within said bowl shaped member responsive toreceiving said object presence signal.
 46. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 45, wherein: upon receiving said objectpresence signal, said control means exchanges a current sound with areplacement sound.
 47. The bowl shaped entertainment attraction asclaimed in claim 45, comprising a sound clip store, and wherein: saidbowl shaped member top is divided into a plurality of bowl segments;said sound clip store comprises a plurality of different stored soundclips, each said stored sound clip being associated with one of saidbowl segments; said sensing means comprises a bowl segment detectoroperative to identify the bowl segment over which an object is present,thereby defining an active bowl segment; said object presence signalincludes identification information representing an active bowl segment;and said control means, responsive to said presence signal, is operativeto instruct said sound producing means to select from said sound clipstore a stored sound clip associated with the segment represented insaid object presence signal.
 48. The bowl shaped entertainmentattraction as claimed in claim 47, comprising: a timer connected to saidobject sensor apparatus and to said control means for measuring the timeinterval between the detection of the presence of objects positionedover said bowl shaped member top, said timer generating a default objectpresence signal routed to said control means for effecting periodicsound clip changes in the absence of object presence signals generatedby actual objects being present over said bowl shaped member top. 49.The bowl shaped entertainment attraction as claimed in claim 43, whereinsaid sound producing means comprises: a sound system amplifier; and aspeaker arrangement projecting sound within said bowl shaped memberbeneath said fog layer.
 50. An entertainment attraction, comprising: ahousing having a top portion and a bottom portion which include top andbottom openings, respectively, wherein said bottom portion is smaller insize than said top portion; sidewalls extending downward from said topportion and inwardly toward said bottom portion to form a substantiallybowl shaped configuration; a fog generator producing a fog layer nearsaid top portion; an object sensor positioned near said top portion,wherein when an object is detected an object presence signal isgenerated; an imaging device which generates an image within saidhousing responsive to said object presence signal; and a platformpositioned around said bottom portion for supporting viewers of saidimage.